Imagine you’re out doing some shopping on a rainy day at your local clothing store/ There are no wet floor signs throughout the store, and you slip on a puddle of water from a leak in the ceiling.
You fall hard, injuring your arm and leg. You’re in a lot of pain and are worried about how you will pay your medical bills. What are you going to do? And who is responsible for your injuries? This article will discuss what to do if you’re injured in a store, who is liable for your damages, and some of the most common causes of store injuries.
Seek medical attention first
Whether the injury was caused by retail store negligence or not, the first thing you should do is get medical help. This is especially important if the damage appears to be serious, such as a broken bone or a head injury. If you don’t seek medical attention immediately, proving that the store was responsible for your injuries may be more challenging.
Gather evidence
If you can, take pictures of the scene where you were injured, including any hazards that may have caused your injuries. It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of witnesses who saw what happened. These people may be able to provide valuable testimony if you decide to take legal action against the store.
Determining negligence
For the company to be held liable for your injuries, you must prove the accident was caused by retail store negligence. Your legal team will investigate to determine if the store knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your injuries and whether they took reasonable steps to fix the problem or warn customers.
For example, if you tripped over cracked flooring, your lawyers will determine whether the store knew about the problem and, if so, how long it had been there. They’ll also find out if the store took steps to repair the flooring or warn shoppers about the hazard.
Let’s say you fell and broke your arm due to the dark lighting in the store. In this case, you and your lawyers would need to show that the store was aware of the lighting issue but failed to take measures to improve it. If the dark space is part of the brand’s ambiance, then it may not be considered retail store negligence.
Proving causation
Even if the store was negligent, you also need to show that their negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. In other words, you must prove that you wouldn’t have been injured if it weren’t for the store’s negligence. For example, if a fallen product from a flimsy shelf hurt you, you would need to show that the store knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn customers.
Filing a claim
You must file a personal injury claim if you decide to take legal action against the retail store. This claim will outline your injuries, the costs of your medical treatment, lost wages if you were unable to work, and other damages.
The store’s insurance company will likely try to settle your claim before it goes to court. However, you should not accept the first settlement offer as it is probably much lower than you deserve. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is essential to help you negotiate with the insurance company and get the best possible settlement.
Preventing retail store injuries
There are some things you can do to help prevent retail store injuries. First, always be aware of your surroundings and watch for hazards. Second, don’t be afraid to speak up if you see a risk in the store. And finally, always report any accidents or injuries to the store manager immediately. Sometimes shoppers are the first to see a dangerous situation, and it’s important to let the store staff know so they can fix the problem. By following these tips, you can help make stores safer for everyone.